Canadian Film Digest (Jul 1971)

VARIETY TENT NO. 28 OF ONTARIO WINS GREAT HEART AWARD

SYDNEY NEWMAN,
a profile

Government Film Commissioner and
Chairman of the National Film Board
of Canada, Syd Newman has come a
long way since that day in 1941 when
he got a job with the N.F.B. as an
assistant film editor.

A native of Toronto, prior to join-
ing the N.F.B. Mr. Newman practiced
commercial and fine art as well as
professional photography. Following
his experience in film editing he was
given directorial status which included
the direction of films produced for the
Canadian Armed Forces and war infor-
mation shorts. As a full producer in
1945 he was in complete charge of the
CANADA CARRIES ON series, out-
lining the country’s war efforts, and
shown commercially in nearly every
theatre in Canada. From 1947 to 1952
he was named Executive Producer in
charge of all films designed for theatri-
cal use. During this period he super-
vised the production of over 300
documentaries. For a brief period, in
1949-50 he was on loan to NBC-TV in
New York.

In 1952 Syd Newman joined
CBC-TV in Toronto as Supervisor of
remote sports and features, and pro-
duced the first N.H.L. games and Grey
Cup games. From 1954 to 1958 he
took on the chore of Supervisor of
Drama, which included such items as
the General Motors Theatre, Arthur

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Hailey’s FLIGHT INTO DANGER, the
Ford Theatre, Canada bond shows etc.
Syd spent the years between 1958
and 1970 in England, first from 1958
to 1962 as Head of Drama for ABC-
TV, where he produced such hits as
ARMCHAIR THEATRE, THE
AVENGERS, etc. In 1963 he moved
over to the BBC-TV as head of their
Drama Group, in charge of all drama,
some 720 individual drama programs a
year with a budget of over
$19,000,000.00. Among his successes
he fondly recalls THE FORSYTE
SAGA and CATHY COME HOME.

In 1969 he joined Associated
British Picture Corporation as an exec-
utive director of feature films, and in
1970 moved back to Canada at the
invitation of the C.R.T.C. as special
advisor to the chairman Mr. Pierre
Juneau, and acting director of the
Broadcast Programs Branch.

On August 24th, 1970 he was
appointed Government Film Commis-
sioner and Chairman of the National
Film Board of Canada.

Syd Newman picked up many
honours along the way, including the
Desmond Davis Award from the
British Society of Film and Television
Arts (1967)...the Zeta Award for
outstanding service to writers, pre-
sented by the Writers Guild of Great
Britain (1970). He has also been

named a Knight of Mark Twain by the
Mark Twain Society of America, a
Fellow of the Society of Film and
Television Producers of Great Britian,
and a Fellow of the Royal Society of
Art in Great Britain.

No greater compliment could pos-
sibly be paid to Syd Newman’s envi-
able status in the industry than the
following, written by Maurice Wiggins
of the London Times, one of London’s
leading T.V. critics. ‘British Television
will never be the same again without
Mr. Newman who has had more influ-
ence on Television than any single
individual with the possible exception
of former BBC chief Sir Hugh Green”.
Welcome back to Canada Syd, and
may your stay be a long and fruitful

one.

Sydney Newman makes his home in
Montreal, is married and is the father
of three daughters aged 17, 21 and 23.

UNIVERSAL NAMES BRAGER
TORONTO BRANCH MANAGER

William Soady, National Sales Manager
for Universal in Canada has confirmed
the appointment of Michael Brager as
manager of the Toronto branch.

Mike Brager joined Universal in the
Calgary office in 1948, serving in
shipping, booking, selling and finally
as Branch manager. From 1965 to
1970 he moved to the Calgary office
of Twentieth Century Fox, then on
to Toronto to head the Universal
branch.

We wish Mike Brager every success
in his new and important assignment.

CcConadian

Fi

IN THIS ISSUE

Sydney Newman of the NFB
N. A. Taylor—Our Business
First Canine Star a Canadian
Variety Village Graduation

Theatre Inspection Branch
Appointments

‘Babe’ Coval Retires
Major Production Plans

Canadian Participation
at Cannes

EDITOR
DAN KRENDEL

Asst. Editor
HARRIET BERNSTEIN

Published Monthly
by

Film Publications of Canada Ltd.

175 Bloor St. E.
Toronto 285, Ont.
Telephone 924-3701

Second Class Mail

Registration No. 2587
Postage Paid in Toronto

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

iqe =) Cc A MONTHLY COMMENTARY ON THE CANADIAN MOTION PICTURE SCENE

WE’RE STILL IN BUSINESS
AND GOING STRONG

Following publication of our initial Spring Product Issue we ran into a
number of complicated and frustrating problems, which | am happy to report
at this time have now been resolved and we are back on the tracks again. |
think | am safe in promising that there will be a regular issue of the Digest
each and every month in the future.

At the risk of sounding immodest | can tell you that the response to our
first issue was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and we have dozens of letters from
every part of Canada, from newspaper feature writers, presidents of Film
Societies, Independent and Circuit exhibitors and projectionists, and retired
industry leaders, complimenting us and offering constructive suggestions for
the improvement of this publication. All have been carefully scrutinized and
steps taken to implement those suggestions which have a practical signifi-
cance.

To make it more interesting and informative to everyone, not just the Big
City slickers, we plan to carry as much regional news as we possibly can, but
unless we are kept constantly informed of what is going on in your particular
bailiwick there is no way we can give you proper exposure. The simplest and
best way to achieve this is to name someone knowledgeable on the local scene
as a sort of ex-officio correspondent to keep feeding us copy. | promise most
of it will find its way into these pages. So let’s hear from you... the
Maritimes, Quebec, the Prairie Provinces, Alberta and the West Coast. We’ll
take care of Ontario.

And just a reminder ...if you want this magazine to keep coming your
way we must have your subscription. No more complimentary copies. So, if
you haven't already done so, please mail your cheque to our Subscription
Department right now, before you forget and get taken off the mailing list.

fou |

EDITOR

BELER PRODUCTIONS INC.
141 East 55th St.
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(212) 832-1535

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with
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WHAT’S THE HANDLE?

There is now a burgeoning feature film industry in Canada. Many individuals
are presently seeking to produce films with or without the aid of the
Canadian Film Development Corporation. Their ideas of what to produce are
as varied as their names.

Anyone with experience in the mechanics of motion picture production
can make a feature film, but it seems that few can make attractions which
will sell tickets at the box-office. Even television, which does not charge for
its entertainment, has a continuing problem of attracting sufficient viewers.
When ratings are not sufficiently high or when they drop to a certain level,
shows are taken off the air on the premise that the size of the audience has
failed to equate to the cost of such shows.

There was a time, in our business, when experienced producers had a sixth
sense for knowing which films to create in order to sell tickets and return a
profit. It is becoming extremely more difficult to find audiences sufficiently
large enough to generate returns which will pay for negative costs and,
hopefully, earn a profit. There are no more geniuses in our business.

Many producers and directors fall in love with a story or a script and
decide that if it is made into a feature film, a large audience will be attracted.
Sometimes they are right, but the odds are that they will be wrong. There is
no room for mediocrity in our business today,

Before a feature production is started, a potential film-maker should say to
himself: ‘‘What’s the handle?”” A handle is something which the distributor
and exhibitor can use to help generate a campaign, and, hopefully, attract an
audience of some size. It can be one or more of many things, viz: an
established bestseller book; a classic story; a successful play; an entirely new
type of subject; one or more stars with some draw at the box-office; a
fascinating title; etc., etc.

Frequently, when a Canadian produced film fails to get off the ground, the
producer will blame the distributor for poor handling and more particularly,
theatre owners because they are allegedly not supporting Canadian made
feature productions. Before he blames others, the producer should examine
his own position more carefully. Canadian exhibitors are delighted and
anxious to present Canadian made features, but only if they will attract
audiences in sufficient numbers. In the last couple of years some theatres
have sustained enormous losses by showing Canadian films which the public
refused to buy. One must not forget the old adage—’‘When there is no
business, one goes out of business."’

Our government can pass legislation which will help finance and create
motion picture features. However, there is no way to legislate that people
must buy tickets to see motion picture features which have been created in
Canada. In point of fact, they have not yet found a way to guarantee that the
Canadian populace will necessarily watch Canadian produced television
shows.

Our producers should not be bitter—they should be better. They should
make certain before they undertake production that they are going to create
something which at least will have a chance to be saleable. Instead of making
the tea pot first and then asking somebody else to seek a handle, they should
find the handle first and then make the tea pot. All production starts with a
pencil and paper. It should also start with the producer asking—‘’What’s the
handle?”

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

BIG DOLL HOUSE STUNT
PAYS OFF

Prior to the recent, very successful
engagement of BIG DOLL HOUSE at
the Downtown and two Drive-In
theatres in Toronto, Pat Harris of
|.F.D. used a unique street stunt which
was so successful that it will be used in
all key situations across Canada.

A cage-like structure was mounted
on a Jeep Universal, which inciden-
tally, was promoted from a local Jeep
dealer, enclosing two attractive girls
formerly members of the HAIR cast,
who were driven around the city on
opening day, passing out heralds im-
printed with ‘Lucky Numbers’.

6,000 heralds were distributed and
100 lucky winners were chosen to be
guests of the management on opening
day.

This was a unique and wildly suc-
cessful promo, and just goes to show
what a little imagination can do to
bring in extra B.O. bucks.

DAVID V. PICKER NAMED
TO HEAD A.D.L. LUNCHEON

President of United Artists, David V.
Picker has been named general chair-
man of the annual luncheon of the
Motion Picture and Amusement Divi-
sion of the Anti-Defamation League
Appeal to be held in October.

The A.D.L. Appeal is seeking seven
and a half million dollars to support a
nationwide program of human and
community relations conducted by the
Anti-Defamation League of B’Nai
B’Rith. The League, founded in 1913
has been in the forefront of the con-
tinuing fight for civil liberties and the
improvement of inter-group and com-
munity relations.

fine KeCod

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CROSSTOWN (i271 seats) ] Fri- $4,224 | Sat:- $3,980 | Svn.-$ 4.094

yols All-time Record
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EMBASSY (su7 ses) aes Sat.-B 3.745 | Sun.- $4,297

REPUBLIC (507 scats) Fri- $2.052 | $at.-$2.1Al | Sun.-$5,100

FLASH - NEW OPENINGS - FIRST 3 DAYS

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CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
AMATEUR FILM FESTIVAL

Not to be outdone by its foreign
counterparts, Canada held its own
Amateur Film Festival in Hamilton
during the early part of April. In
addition to seventeen entries from
Canadian filmmakers, there were

Canadian filmmakers, there were
eighteen from the U.S., four from
Brazil three each from Japan and
Spain, and two from France. One
entry arrived from each of Belgium,
England, Finland, Italy, Portugal and
Zambia. The judging was handled by
a jury consisting of Gerald Pratley,
director of the Ontario Film Theatre,
Lucien Marleau a filmmaker with the
NFB, Victor Pirkl, a Czech film
amateur, Logie Donaldson, Film officer
with the NFB office in Hamilton and
Edgar Daniels, professor of English at
Bowling Green State University in
Ohio.

Canadian films captured two of the
nine awards, both for animated
subjects. The major award, the Canada
Trophy went to Howard Lester of
Topanga, California for his AIRPLANE
GLUE ! LOVE YOU. Best documen-
tary film award was won by William
Lipper of Los Angeles for his A PART-
TICULAR MAN. ULTIMO PAGINA
(The Last Page) by Rolf Mandolesi of
Italy knocked off the Best Scenario
Award. Awards for best film by a teen
under 16 went to Doug Smith of the
U. S. A. for THE WAD AND THE
WORM, and 16 to 19 to Hiroshi
Takano of Tokyo.

The winning films were shown
in Hamilton on May 16th, in Ottawa
on May 19th and in Montreal on May
26th. All were shown at the Ontario
Science Centre earlier this month.

The Canadian Amateur Film Fest-
ival is sponsored by the Society of
Canadian Cine Amateurs, a federally
incorporated organization.

M.P.T.A.O. ELECTS OFFICERS

At a recent meeting of the Board
of Directors of the Motion Picture
Theatres Association of Ontario, the
following were elected officers for the
coming year.

President, William Sullivan
Vice-President, Frank Lawson .. .
Secretary, Jack M. Fine, and Treasurer,
David Axler.

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

‘BABE’ COVAL RETIRES
FROM WARNERS

=

An old friend, Irving ‘Babe’ Coval,
longtime Toronto Branch Manager for
Warner Bros. finally tossed in the
towel and retired from active industry
association on June 5th, after a career
spanning some thirty five years with
the same company.

Babe, now 71, began his film career
as a salesman for Empire Films in
Winnipeg in 1929, and seven years
later, in 1936 moved to Vancouver to
head the W.B. branch in that city.
From Vancouver he moved to Mont-
real in 1942.

During W.W. 2 he was moved to
Trinidad to supervise his company’s
operations throughout that area. His
late wife couldn’t stand the intolerable
heat and they returned to Montreal,
and in 1946 Babe was appointed Tor-
onto Branch Manager, a position he
has held since.

All of us in the industry wish Babe
well in his retirement, and hope it will
be a happy and satisfying one for
someone who has been as active and
well-liked as he is. Incidentally Babe is
a long-time member of both the Cana-
dian Picture Pioneers and the Variety
Club of Ontario, and plans to continue
his association with both organiza-
tions. Good luck Babe.

ASTRAL ANNOUNCES
PERSONNEL SHIFTS

A release from Jerry H. Solway and
Martin Bochner of Astral Films an-
nounces the following changes within
their organization.

Morley Mogul, former Toronto
Branch Manager becomes assistant to
the General Manager Martin Bochner.

Norman Simpson, Astral’s Montreal
Branch Manager will move to Calgary
as Branch Manager and will also co-
ordinate operations between the three
Western branches of Astral.

Brian Bingham, for many years
manager of the Calgary branch will
move to Toronto as Branch Manager.

Claude Chene who has served as
booker-salesman in the Montreal
branch has been appointed Branch
Manager.

Miss Marilyn Kennedy has been
appointed Director of Advertising and
Publicity, and in addition to being
fluently bilingual brings with her many
years of experience with Paramount,
20th Century-Fox and MGM where
she directed group sales in the Toronto
area.

In announcing these appointments,
Solway and Bochner stated that “With
the many specialized features already
in the Astral library, and with many
new productions on the current release
schedule, the need to strengthen our
sales force, particularly in the Head
Office was imminent. The addition of
Bingham as Toronto Branch Manager
will enable us to give increased respon-
sibility to Mogul in his new post,
which in turn will prove of consider-
able benefit to the servicing of our
product.”

C.S. DOIDGE RESIGNS
FROM FAMOUS

C.S. DOIDGE RESIGNS

Mr. George P. Destounis, president
of Famous Players Limited has an-
nounced the resignation, effective
April 16th, of Clare S. Doidge, vice-
president and _ treasurer of the
Company.

Mr. Doidge joined Famous Players
twenty one years ago in charge of the
accounting and statistical departments,
and a few years later was elevated to
comptroller of the company. In 1970
he was appointed a vice-president and
treasurer.

Clare and Mrs. Doidge plan a brief
vacation to celebrate their 25th an-
niversary after which he plans to
return to his first love - taxation, in
which field he is considered to be
quite an expert - as an income and
corporate tax consultant.

20th CENTURY-FOX
CONCLAVE

The first 20th Century-Fox Corporate
Planning Conference of the new man-
agement team has been called by
Dennis C. Stanfill, President, and was
held over a three and a half day period
at the Company’s Century City studio
in Culver City.

Members of the new management
team attending the sessions chaired by
Stanfill were, from the Home Office,
Jerome Edwards, Vice-President and
General Counsel; John P. Meehan,
Vice-President and Controller; Peter S.
Myers, Vice-President of domestic dis-
tribution; David Raphel, Vice-Presi-
dent of foreign distribution, and Jonas
Rosenfeld Jr. Vice-President and direc-
tor of Advertising, Publicity and
Exploitation. Representing the studio
were William Self, Vice-President,
Television, and Elmo Williams, Vice-
President and Director of Worldwide
Production.

William T. Gossett, newly-elected
Chairman of the Board and other top
executives from home office and the
studio also attended this series of
meetings covering a broad-range study
of all areas of Fox operations, includ-
ing Marketing, Production and Subsidi-
aries. This was the first official meet-
ing since the recent proxy contest, a
victory which the management team
consider a mandate and intends to
carry it out in the broadest sense.

8

TERENCE M. LYND NAMED
F. P. VEEP & TREASURER

Mr. George P. Destounis, president of
Famous Players has announced the
appointment, effective April 16th, of
Mr. Terence M. Lynd, B.Comm., C.A.
as a vice-president and treasurer of the
company.

A native of Whitby, Ontario, Mr.
Lynd at 44 comes well qualified to
handle his new responsibilities. After
graduating from Whitby High School
in 1944 he went on to the University
of Toronto where he obtained an
honours Bachelor of Commerce degree.
He articled as an accounting student
with Price Waterhouse and Company,
obtaining his C.A. degree in 1952.

Terence Lynd was executive’ Vice-
President of Columbia Records of
Canada Limited prior to taking on his
new duties at Famous Players. He is
married and lives in Thornhill with
wife and two sons aged 11 and 13.

He is an ardent golfer and fisher-
man, but at this point we have no way
of verifying the veracity of his claims
in both departments.

F. R. CRAWLEY
HEADS FILM CANADA

Following the complete reorganization
of Film Canada Presentations Limited,
Mr. F. R. Crawley, president of
Crawley Films Limited has assumed
the presidency of the new company.

Mr. Harvey Hunt, with a long his-
tory with Famous Players and Odeon,
who retired a couple of years ago has
been appointed Vice-President.

JACK WARNER - COLUMBIA
IN JOINT DEAL

Jack Warner who recently sold out
his interest in the Warner studios is a
long way from the mothballs. He has
just concluded a deal with Columbia to
co-finance and produce the prize-
winning musical ‘’1776" which is ex-
pected to go before the cameras on
the Columbia lot in the fall of 1971.

In commenting on the deal, Jack
Warner who with his brothers
pioneered the first talking pictures,
said ... “‘l am delighted with this
opportunity to join forces with
Columbia because | am so impressed
with its high degree of professionalism.
| hope that ‘1776’ will be the fore-
runner in a series of many pictures |
will co-produce with that company.”

On their part, Leo Jaffe and Stanley
Schneider, on behalf of Columbia
expressed their gratification with their
new association and stated that Jack
Warner is regarded by them as not
only a long-time and valued friend,
but also as one of the industry’s
most respected filmmakers.

CANADIAN PICTURE
PIONEER GOLF TOURNEY
AUGUST 26th

All members of the Canadian Picture
Pioneers and allied industries are re-
minded that this year’s annual golf
tournament will be held at the Cedar-
brae Golf and Country Club on Thurs-
day, August 26th.

This is the one big event of the year
for members of our Industry, and as
has been the case for many years,
tickets will be at a premium if you
delay purchasing yours until the last
moment.

The price of admission is $6.50,
and as in the past will include dinner, a
door prize, and a chance to win one of
several glamorous and costly prizes.
Oh yes, you may golf too if you wish.

The following will be pleased to
take your order for tickets... Zeke
Sheine, 363-9021...Andy Rouse,
368-2618...Morris Appleby,
922-3113... Harry Green,
964-5824 ...Graydon Hulse,
364-8323 ...and May Chinn at
929-0865.

For golf starting times please con-
tact Andy Rouse AFTER Civic Holi-
day, August 2nd.

DECEASED

It is with deep sorrow that we record
the passing of a number of industry
members within the past few weeks.
To their families we extend our deep
and sincere condolences.

GEORGE H. BEESTON, Vice-
President and Treasurer of Empire
Films Ltd. died on Thursday, May
20th while vacationing in Florida. Mr.
Beeston was most active in Canadian
Picture Pioneer affairs, and will be
sadly missed as that organization's fin-
ancial advisor.

HARRY WALLACE a long-time
employee of Famous Players who re-
tired in 1963, passed away at his home
in Orangeville on Thursday, May 20th.
Harry was 66 at the time of his pas-
sing.

ARCHIE FRASER projectionist at
the Capitol theatre in Brantford died
at the age of 67. He started in the
industry in Paris, Ont. in 1918
working in the booths of the Gem,
Allen’s and the Capitol. In 1927 he
moved to the Brant in Brantford and
two years later to the Capitol where he
remained until his death.

W. D. GEAR projectionist at the
Stanley Theatre in Vancouver, died at
his home at the age of 72. Prior to
joining the Famous Family Bud Gear
occupied similar positions in a number
of theatres throughout British Colum-
bia.

MICHAEL REIDY, well known
sound technician died in Toronto on
April 19th, 1971 at the age of 73.
Mike first joined General Theatre Sup-
ply Company in 1937, left for two
years in 1948 and rejoined the same

- company in 1950. Failing health

prompted his retirement from active
business in 1960.

ANOTHER $50,000.00
GRANT FROM THE C.F.D.C.

It has been announced that the Cana-
dian Film Development Corporation
has made a grant of $50,000.00 to
L'Association cooperative de Produc-
tions Audio-Visuelles, a filmmakers’
co-op. The grant is intended to assist
the co-operative in providing adminis-
trative and technical services in the
area of feature film production, in-
cluding scripting and production plan-
ning.

The co-operative with headquarters

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

in Montreal was established by a group
of filmmakers who decided to work
together to acquire a more detailed
knowledge of the administrative and
technical skills required in film pro-
duction. The Corporation believes that
the lack of such administrative know-
ledge and ability to plan effectively
has been one of the principal stumb-
ling blocks faced by young film-
makers. One of the major purposes of
the co-operative is to assure such ser-
vices at a reasonable cost.

Established just three months ago,
the co-op has about forty members—
directors, editors, film technicians, set
designers and others involved in film
production. According to its constitu-
tion membership is open to anyone
presently working in film production,
either on the actual production or
technical sides of the industry, includ-
ing those people concerned with labor-
atory and sound recording services.

IN CURRENT PRODUCTION

Leigh Taylor-Young stars opposite
Jerry Orbach in the Jimmy Breslin
best-seller THE GANG THAT
COULDN'T SHOOT STRAIGHT. Big
Mama is Jo Van Vleet who helps carry
the load in this most amusing tale of

. gang warfare in New York. M-G-M will

release.

United Artists is putting the
finishing touches to CHATO’S LAND,
a western nearing completion on loca-
tion in Spain. Charles Bronson, Jack

Palance and Richard Basehart star.

Principal photography has begun in
Rome on ROMA BENE, the Dino de
Laurentis production for Columbia re-
lease. The picture stars Alberto Sordi,
Virna Lisi and Irene Papas.

Currently filming in New York is
20th Century-Fox‘s offbeat’ comedy
MADE FOR EACH OTHER, which
stars Renee Taylor and Joseph
Bologna.

DIRTY HARRY, a Malpaso Com-
pany production for Warner Brothers
is currently filming on location in San
Francisco, with Clint Eastwood star-
ring and Don Siegel producing and
directing.

Scheduled to start production this
summer in New York, is BULLET-
PROOF, second feature to be filmed
in the U.S. by Czech director Milos
Forman. A Columbia release.

IN THE CAN AND
READY FOR DATING

Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine,
Susannah York and Margaret Leighton
have completed filming X, Y and ZEE
in London. Check with your Columbia
man for available dates.

SCRAPING BOTTOM, starring
George Segal is the story of a con-man
junkie who exists only to support his
habit. Paula Prentiss plays Segal’s es-
tranged wife, and Karen Black por-
trays his affluent, victimized girl
friend. The picture is now in the can,
and United Artists are looking for
dates.

Principal photography has been
completed on LIVING FREE, a sequel
to “Born Free,” in Kenya. Columbia
Pictures will release this attraction
featuring Elsa the lioness and her three
cubs.

Filming of SKIN GAME, a Chero-
kee production for Warner Brothers
has been completed, and stars James
Garner in this comedy which was
directed by Paul Bogart.

Shooting has been completed on
TO FIND A MAN, in New York. This
is a Columbia Pictures-Rastar Produc-
tions attraction, and will be distri-
buted by Columbia.

Sanford Howard’s MAN IN THE
WILDERNESS has completed prin-
cipal photography on location in
Spain. Richard Sarafian directed the
Richard Harris-John Huston drama for
Warner release.

N.A.C. CONCLAVE

IN CHICAGO

Officers and directors of the National
Association of Concessionaires held a
most successful Midyear Board Meet-
ing at the Sheraton-Chicago Hotel re-
cently.

The agenda included in-depth dis-
cussions of many important industry
matters, and reports were heard from
the various committee chairmen. High
priority was given such subjects as the
N.A.C. Convention and NATO-NAC-
TEA trade show scheduled for the end
of October at the Americana Hotel in
New York, Membership Service Ex-
pansion, and plans for staging future
N.A.C. Regional Meetings throughout
the U.S.A. and Canada.

With many N.A.C. directors in
Chicago attending the National Res-
taurant Show, the meetings attracted
one of the largest attendances in
N.A.C. history.

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ODEON BUILDING
PIGGY-BACK IN HAMILTON

| have a nice note on my desk from
Frank Fisher, Vice-President of Odeon
Theatres of Canada, first offering his
congratulations on the first issue of
CANADIAN FILM DIGEST, and then,
gently, oh so gently, informing us that
in the story on theatre construction in
Ontario we neglected to mention pro-
jects which Odeon has under way.

We stand corrected Frank, but
‘Frank’ly the lines of communications
must have clogged somewhere along
the line, as | can’t recall receiving any
information from your office in regard
to theatre construction or anything
else, despite my frequent pleas for
some editorial material.

However, to correct the uninten-
tional omission, this will serve to
advise our readers that Odeon have a
Piggy-back dual under construction on
King St. E. in Hamilton, scheduled to
open on September 1st of this year.
The lower auditorium will seat 750
and the upper 450. Incidentally, as of
that date | believe that Odeon will give
up the Capitol and Palace theatres in
that city.

Oh yes...! also understand that
Odeon have just opened the new Hy-
land theatre in Kitchener. Good luck,
and much success on your new ven-
tures from the editorial staff and
readers of the DIGEST.

TV AGREEMENT
A joint statement by CBC president

George Davidson and NFB Commis-
sioner Sydney Newman advises that an
agreement has been signed between
the two National bodies for exclusive
English television network broadcast
rights for a minimum of 13 programs
to be produced by the board. 30, 60
and 90 minute programs in colour and
black and white will have their content
determined through consultations be-
tween senior officials of both organiza-
tions, and are to be telecast between
March 15th, 1971 and August 31st,
1972. The first program under the
agreement, SAD SONG OF YELLOW
SKIN was televised on March 23rd.

This new agreement is in addition
to the existing arrangement between
the French network of the CBC and
the NFB.

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

Mr. Newman stated “In our films
we are hoping to show, in peak
viewing time, some of the grandeur as
well as the idiocies of being Canadian
in a world that’s painfully trying to
pull itself up by its own bootstraps.”

Mr. Davidson expressed his satisfac-
tion by saying that he was pleased to
enter into a renewed agreement with
the NFB. “It will provide our English
network with a number of programs
from a Canadian organization with an
International reputation for the excel-
lence of its productions. This agree-
ment can’t help but strengthen the
bonds between the CBC and the NFB.

In addition to the current agree-
ment, the CBC and NFB will soon
begin discussions for productions and
scheduling of a similar number of film
programs for the two television sea-
sons ending in August of 1974.

PLAYBOY PRODUCTIONS—
COLUMBIA
IN JOINT FILM DEAL

Playboy Productions and Columbia
Pictures have announced a three year
multi-film production schedule calling
for a minimum of four feature pictures
during the term of the deal.

The first joint venture will be
Roman Polanski’s MACBETH which
Columbia and Playboy will co-finance
and Columbia distribute. The film,
budgeted at three million dollars will
star newcomers John Finch and
Francesca Annis. Polanski is finishing
interior filming in London, following
location shooting in Northumberland
and Wales. The film is scheduled for
late 1971 release.

Hefner’s Playboy company entered
film production as a joint venture with
Jerome M. Zeitman Productions in
1970.

EMI-MGM ANNOUNCE
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

The newly-formed EMI-MGM Film
Productions Ltd. based in London
have announced the following attrac-
tions scheduled for early shooting.

THE BOY FRIEND, Ken Russell’s
adaptation of the hit stage musical will
star ‘Twiggy’ in her motion picture
debut, and will be released in Britain
by MGM-EMI Film Distributors Ltd.,
and throughout the rest of the world
by MGM. It is scheduled for Christmas
‘71 release.

Starting in the fall, a new comedy
version of TRILBY AND SVENGALI
starring Julie Andrews will be directed
by Blake Edwards. Negotiations are
under way to sign Jack Lemmon to
co-star with Miss Andrews.

Toward the end of the year produc-
tion is expected to begin on TRADER
HORN with exterior shooting in
Africa and interiors at the EMI-MGM
Elstree Studios.

More properties are expected to go
into production in quick succession.

BALDASSARIS CELEBRATE
FIFTIETH

Fred Baldassari, recently retired as a
projectionist at the Tivoli in Hamilton
after fifty years with the same com-
pany, and his wife, celebrated their
Golden Anniversary on Sunday, June
27th. They were At Home to their
many friends and relatives at their
church on that date. Congratulations
folks, and here's to the next fifty.

11

12

NO one
Ever

) No Heaven..
No Hell..

No Guilt!

Eternal life is
the only

reality!

~ REINCARNATE

a fascinating tale of the occult «

staring JACK CRELEY - JAY REYNOLDS - TRUDY YOUNG
with HUGH WEBSTER « GENE TYBURN « TERRY TWEED « REX HAGON
Written and Produced by SEELEG LESTER = Directed by DON HALDANE
Executive Producer N.A. TAYLOR + Music by MILAN KYMLICKA
A Tower Productions Release - COLOR

|] Through LONDON RECORDS:
a “REINCARNATE THEME” by Howard Cable Orcnestra

“NO ONE EVER DIES” by Howard Cable Singers

OXOFFICE Gets New Lifel

In BIG Cities and SMALL Towns ~
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WORLD PREMIERE, UPTOWN 2, TORONTO Week Record!

MANAGER M. APPLEBY REPORTS: 6-Week Run!
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the patrons are under 25 years of age. | quote one family man about 40, with wife and 2
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YORKDALE CINEMA, TORONTO - 3 Smash Weeks!

“Had good response from teenagers who showed real interest in it during its three week
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NORTHWEST & SCARBORO DRIVE-INS- Top Grosses day-and-date!

“A good picture with a theme that intrigued patrons and garnered good comments.”

CENTURY, HAMILTON - Smash 3 Weeks! . . . despite bus strike!

“Comments very good from predominantly young audience!”

CENTURY, LONDON - 2 Top Weeks!

“Very good comments. Photography was excellent.””

PARAMOUNT, PETERBOROUGH - Another Great Gross!

“Good comments — Very well received!’

LAMBTON MALL CINEMA, SARNIA - Solid Grosses!

“Photography and acting very good. Most people found the picture entertaining.”

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CENTRE, TRENTON - They loved it here too!

“Well acted. Story very strong. Everyone | spoke to said it was excellent.”
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CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

MAJORS ANNOUNCE
PRODUCTION PLANS

Slated to go before the cameras in the
immediate future, or presently in
various stages of production, the fol-
lowing attractions will hopefully be
available to exhibitors before the end
of the year.

From Warner Brothers we may
expect GLIMPSE OF TIGER which
will star Barbra Streisand and ex-
hubby Elliott Gould, with Kim Darby.
A Joe Wizan-Booth Gardner action-
adventure drama LLOYD WILLIAMS
AND HIS BROTHER, based on an
original screen play by Walter Hill.
THE COWBOYS, naturally starring
John Wayne, with Bruce Dern as the
heavy is being shot on location in New
Mexico. Scheduled for late Fall shoot-
ing is Stanley Kubrick’s TRAUM-
NOVELLE. THE EXORCIST, on the
occult scene is being readied by Paul
Monash. William Peter Blatty the
author, will write the screenplay and
produce.

Columbia Pictures announce the
following in various stages of produc-
tion. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WANDA
JUNE, based on the successful Broad-
way play will star Rod Steiger and be
directed by Mark Robson. Academy
Award winner Stirling Silliphant is
writing the screen play for THE NEW
CENTURIONS, Joseph Wambaugh’s
highly acclaimed novel about the L.A.
Police Department. FAT CITY, being
produced by Ray Stark will star
Stacey Keach (The Travelling Execu-
tioner) and will mark John Huston’s
first directorial assignment in the U.S.
in ten years. The screen play for
FATHER’S DAY, the successful
Broadway play by Oliver Hailey is
being readied by Eleanor Perry.
Robert Shaw has been signed to play
the coveted role of Lord Randolph
Churhill, father of Winston Churhill,
and will be ably supported by Anne
Bancroft. YOUNG WINSTON will be
directed by Richard Attenborough
from a screenplay by Carl Foreman
who will also produce. THE
WIDOWER, starring Academy Award
winner Maggie Smith is scheduled to
start production in Europe this sum-
mer, with Alan J. Pakula directing
under producer Donald Lange.

20th Century-Fox has announced
that Robert Radford will head an all-
star cast in its THE HOT ROCK which

14

will be directed by Peter Yates from a
script by William Goldman. It may be
remembered that Redford and Gold-
man were responsible for the highly-
successful ‘’Butch Cassidy.”

Scheduled to start shooting this
month is the Walt Disney production
NOW YOU SEE HIM, NOW YOU
DON’T, a comedy to be produced by
Ron Miller for the Disney Organiza-
tion.

From United Artists we will be
getting Paddy Chayefsky’s HOSPI-
TAL, starring George C. Scott, being
produced by Howard Gottfried. THE
HONKERS, starring James Coburn is a
dramatic story of the rodeo circuit and
is being filmed on Western locations.
Should be ready for release this Fall.

M.G.M.’s trio includes CURSE OF
DARK SHADOWS $sstarring David
Selby, Grayson Hall, Nancy Barrett
and Lara Parker, all of whom are
household names to the millions of
“Dark Shadows” fans. Irving and Har-
riet Ravetch have been signed to write
the screenplay for ACASE OF NEED,
which delves into the operations and
functions of the medical profession
within today’s society. Yul Brynner
has been signed to portray the title
role in CATLOW, Metro’s western
adventure produced by Euan Lloyd,
and now being filmed in Spain.

Universal offers MARY QUEEN OF
SCOTS which will star Glenda Jackson
and Vanessa Redgrave. Shooting is
scheduled for mid-May.

ISRAELI AND SYRIAN
JOIN FORCES

A former Israeli army officer-turned-
author, and a former Syrian army
officer-turned-actor, once deadly
enemies, have teamed up as technical
advisors to N.Y. film producer William
L. Snyder on his upcoming film ver-
sion of THE SHATTERED SILENCE,
based on the exciting career of Israeli
master-spy Eli Cohen who was execu-
ted in Syria in 1966. Daniel Mann will
direct the film in Israel later this year.

The Israeli is Zwi Aldouby who
knew Cohen and wrote the book on
which the film is based. The Syrian is
Garry Malkonian who witnessed
Cohen's execution.

TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASS‘N.
OF CANADA
PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS

The Travel Industry Association of
Canada conducts an annual competi-
tion to encourage the production of
more and better films on travel and
recreation in Canada. The following
awards were presented at the T.1.A.C.
convention held recently in Montreal.
The Maple Leaf Award, or first
prize went to the Quebec Department
of Tourism, for QUEBEC-SKI, pro-
duced by the Quebec Film Board.
Fernand Dansereau directed, with
Raymond-Marie Leger as producer.
Second prize went to ONTARIO A
LA CARTE, produced by Drege Audio
of Toronto for the Ontario Depart-
ment of Tourism and Information.
YUKON...GET AWAY COUN-
TRY, produced by Canawest-Master
Films of Calgary for the Yukon De-
partment of Travel and Information
received an ‘Honourable Mention.’
Pictured, left to right are, L. J.
Adams, president of the T.I.A.C. pre-
senting the Maple Leaf Award to
Robert Prevost, assistant Deputy
Minister of the Quebec Department of
Tourism, Fish and Game. Looking on
is A. A. (Andy) McDermott, contest
committee chairman.

GENEVIEVE BUJOLD
HONOURED

From Barcelona comes word that
Canada’s Genevieve Bujold has won
the San Jorge Award for the best
foreign acting performance of
1970-71, for her part in ANNE OF
THE THOUSAND DAYS.

Miss Bujold was selected for the
award in Spain by a jury consisting of
Radio, T.V. and Press critics.

Zr £

FOR SUMMER BOX OFFICE SUCCESS...

VS THE

ON SUCCESS OF THE vean| SER now ingeneral release
——

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

FIRST CANINE STAR A TRUE CANADIAN

A popular misconception, even among
the better informed, seems to be
that Rin Tin Tin was the first canine
star to crash the movies. Not so,
states Jack Chisholm whose memory
goes back to the early days of Holly-
wood when he was an extra and a
stunt man among other things.

Strongheart is the name of the
first dog star, and he was raised and
trained by Lawrence Trimble, who
also. directed all his pictures. A
collection of still pictures, newspaper
clippings and scenarios found in
Trimble’s summer cottage in Eastern
Ontario verifies the facts.

The first Strongheart series was
produced around Banff in the winter
of 1922 by the Trimble and Murfin

STi le PARC |

company of Los Angeles. Trimble
wrote the scenarios and directed for
First National. Production manager
for Trimble was Bill Winterton Sr.
late father of the present Bill who
was so well known when he was with
Associated Screen News and is now in
business for himself in Montreal.

In the accompanying picture is
seen Larry Trimble with Strongheart
(on the left) and his mate Lady Jule.
The two young ladies are unidentified.
No contract was valid without
Strongheart’s paw mark, which is also
reproduced.

Readers are invited to send in items
of interest from the ‘Good ole days.’
All photographs will be returned.

PHIL CARLTON
UPPED AT WARNERS

Word comes from Irving Stern, Warner
G.M. in Canada, that Phil Carlton erst-
while Branch Manager in Winnipeg, has
succeeded recently retired Irving
‘Babe’ Coval as manager of the com-
pany’s important branch in Toronto.

Carlton will be succeeded in the
Winnipeg branch by Terry Segal, pro-
moted from Salesman-Booker of that
branch.

16

1971 BIG AWARD

YEAR FOR N.F.B.

The National Film Board of Canada
continues to pile up awards in Inter-
national film competition, including
victories at some of the world’s most
prestigious festivals. In its fiscal year,
just ended, the board added an addi-
tional 79 trophies to bring its collec-
tion to well over one thousand.

The awards were divided between
56 N.F.B. productions, and were pre-
sented in 10 different countries.
Among the victories were nine awards
from the Internationally famous New
York Film Festival, and 17 from
Canadian film awards. Other major
competitions included those held in
La Plata, Argentina; Rome, Venice
and Washington.

Top award winner for the year
was Norman McLaren’s PAS DE DEUX
which took two major trophies in
New York, one in Panama and one in
Salerno, Italy. This unusual and in-
novative film on the dance has now
piled up an impressive total of 17
first prizes.

One film, LES ROCHASSIERS was
successful at three different festivals
while another eight took awards in two
separate competitions.

The British Film Academy honour-
ed two N.F.B. productions this year.
The coveted Robert Flaherty went to
the television film SAD SONG OF
YELLOW SKIN, while RISE AND
FALL OF THE GREAT LAKES was
judged the best specialized film.

SHAKESPEARE’S TEMPEST TO
BE FILMED LOCALLY

Double-Jay Productions, a Toronto
group, is planning to produce a film
based on Shakespeare’s romantic
comedy THE TEMPEST, to be shot in
Southern Ontario late in September.

The film version which will be
titled UP EVIL was conceived by Jack
Cunningham and Jon Lidolt who use
the original text as a point of depar-
ture for creating an easily identifiable
story line set in a present day situa-
tion.

Both Cunningham and Lidolt have
had considerable experience in film
making, the latter having worked for
many years with N. A. Taylor's
Twentieth Century Theatres and Film
Canada.

We wish them luck and hope they
come up with a real block-buster.

Scene from A MATTER OF FAT

SOME INTERESTING SCENES
FROM THREE UPCOMING
NATIONAL FILM BOARD
RELEASES,

“A MATTER OF FAT,”
“MON ONCLE ANTOINE,”

and
COLD JOURNEY

—

i

|

MON ONCLE ANTONE

Scenes from COLD JOURNEY

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

ON THE CANADIAN
PRODUCTION SCENE

By Harriet Bernstein

There are several feature films sche-
duled for production this summer in
various locations throughout Canada.
Many of them are still in early pre-
production stages, and castings for
these are not set yet. ‘With a little
help from my friends’’, Sam Jephcott
of the Director’s Guild and Lillian
Gauci at the C.F.D.C. here, | have
been able to gather some information
that should be of interest to anyone
with an eye on the Canadian Pro-
duction scene. The best way to do this
thing is probably province by pro-
vince, so we'll begin with British Col-
umbia, specifically Vancouver, where
most of the action is this summer.

Four Star Productions plan to begin
filming at the end of July with a
feature motion picture for C.B.S. Tele-
vision. The only information available
at the time of writing this, is that
Richard Rosenbloom is producing.

An independent production en-
titled ANOTHER SMITH FOR PARA-
DISE began filming the end of June in
Vancouver. Jim Margellos is producing
this one, with Tom Shandell directing.
The C.F.D.C. is financially involved.

A feature film production of
Aldous Huxley’s prophetic novel
BRAVE NEW WORLD is expected to
arrive at Simon Fraser University for
location shooting in August. This
Anglo-Italian production will be pro-
duced by Dmitri de Grunwald, and
directed by Peter Hall.

A Galanty Productions film will
begin shooting in July on ECSTASY
OF RITA JOE, with C.F.D.C. involve-
ment once again. Darryl Duke is pro-
ducing and directing.

Calgary has one film going this sum-
mer, PRIME CUT, in which Lee
Marvin is starring. Director is Mike
Ritchie, whose last film was DOWN-
HILL RACER.

News in Winnipeg is that Darren
McGavin may be in the process of
setting up a feature production studio,
with support from the Manitoba gov-
ernment. As far as we know now, the
only feature film for Winnipeg is one
which supposedly will begin shooting
in August. Norman Werbuk will pro-
duce, from a screenplay by Toronto
writer lan Ross. More on this in our
next issue.

18

Quebec has two feature films
scheduled to begin production within
the next month or so. For one, Quest
Film Productions is in pre-production
stages with JOURNEY, which Peter
Carter is producing and Paul Almond
is directing. The casting is not set on
this one.

The other Quebec film is from Kino
Productions, and is entitled LIES MY
FATHER TOLD ME, which has to be
a far-out, great title. Harry Gulkin is
producing, and Jan Kadar is directing.
Kadar, by the way, is probably best
remembered for his direction of the
Czech-made SHOP ON MAIN
STREET. LIES MY FATHER TOLD
ME is an original screenplay by Mon-
treal’s Ted Allen. The film will star
Zero Mostel, and the C.F.D.C. is finan-
cially participating.

Last, but oh not least, is Toronto,
which also has a couple of films in the
offing. Director Tony Richardson is
expected in Toronto the beginning of
August for casting on THE EDIBLE
WOMAN, to be shot here later in the
year. Script is based on Canadian
writer Margaret Atwood’s book.

And the Bond-Moore Corporation
will begin filming this month on STOP
ME (originally entitled THE BABY-
SITTER). Timothy Bond is directing,
and Roy Moore is producing the film,
which has C.F.D.C. money in it. The
original screenplay is by Roy Moore,
and is described as a ‘’Psychological
Thriller’. The shooting schedule is ap-
proximately six weeks, and cinema-
tographer Bob Saad heads the
N.A.B.E.T. crew on this one. Signed
for roles are Quebec’s Genevieve
Deloir (THE CROWD INSIDE), and
Christian Robert (THE LAST VAL-
LEY): it is still tentative at this time,
but Elizabeth Ashley may be starred.
STOP ME will be filmed entirely on
location in Toronto. Cinepix will dis-
tribute the film in Canada, and Dennis
Friedland’s Cannon Group is handling
distribution in other parts of the
world.

Also filming this month in Toronto
is SIMON LOCKE, M.D., a half hour
series for Television, produced by Val-
Jon Productions Limited. Stars are
Jack Albertson and Sam Groom.
Wilton Schiller is Executive Producer
and Chester Krumholts is producer.
Series is filming at the CTV studios,
for primetime showing, come Septem-
ber.

An item of interest for budget-
minded people—rates for Canadian
Production Assistants and Assistant
Directors have dropped; both changes
should benefit lower-budget films.

FRANKENHEIMER
IN TORONTO

You know, people are really incred-
ible. One of those things that | think
most of us share is a frustration with
ideas that zap into our minds at ran-
dom, and then, because we are hassled,
or we become too boggled with daily
coping, those ‘great ideas’ are never
realized. Which is why it’s so great
when someone can actually get it to-
gether enough to make their ideas
actualities.

Last month, John Frankenheimer
came to Toronto to promote his new
film for Columbia THE HORSEMEN.
While he was here, he assisted in the
making of another film. Bruce Pitman,
who works at Allan King & Associates
here, and Central Media Productions
got together a scrip outline for a docu-
mentary film about Frankenheimer.
Maureen O’Donnell, publicity director
at Columbia, and John Skouras, U.S.
exploitation manager, both liked the
idea of the scrip, and as it happened,
Skouras passed it along to Franken-
heimer in New York, a few days prior
to his trip to Toronto.

Meanwhile back home, Bruce Pit-
man and George Wright were research-
ing Frankenheimer and his films to
determine how best to approach their
subject. They decided that their film
would be about how John Franken-
heimer sees, and their outline was
simply to film an interview with him,
with questions so designed that
Frankenheimer’s answers could serve
as the sole narration to the film. Their
key idea was to present Franken-
heimer with a cliched situation, that of
a girl in a park being eyed and
approached by a Stranger passing by,
and to film through Frankenheimer’s
ideas. Bruce and George got together a
crew, consisting of people who, like
themselves, are just very into film
making. Fraser Boa of London,
Ontario was soundman, and Arnaud
Maggs handled the lighting and still
photography. Maureen was the girl on
the bench, and Bob Simms played the
guy with the eyes.

(CONT)

»

FRANKENHEIMER

Then came the great surprise. Upon
Mr. Frankenheimer’s arrival in Tor-
onto, he stated that he so much liked
the idea, he wanted to personally
direct the park scene. He said that he
had recently completed a year of
editing on THE HORSEMEN, and that
doing some shooting would be refresh-
ing. Simply, the concept of creatively
directing such a trite, everyday,
cliched situation, appealed to him.

And that’s how it happened that
one sunny Saturday, John Franken-
heimer, a man whose career includes
such noted films as THE MAN-
CHURIAN CANDIDATE, BIRDMAN
OF ALCATRAZ, THE FIXER and
GRAND PRIX, was in Queen’s Park,
lugging benches, shooting 16mm film,
and convincing passersby and some
willing winos to play extras in this
film.

Where things stand now is, the film
has been edited by Bruce and George.
It is approximately 30 minutes long, in
16mm colour film. Columbia wants to
fly Bruce to New York soon, with a
finished work print for them to see.
Which just goes to show you what can
happen when someone grabs onto one
of those ideas that come zapping
through the mind. ’

EMI-MGM FORM NEW
PRODUCTION COMPANY

From London comes news that EMI
and MGM plan to expand their very
successful relationship with the forma-
tion of a new company, EMI-MGM
Film Productions Ltd. This announce-
ment follows closely two successful
features produced jointly by EMI and
MGM, GET CARTER and THE GO-
BETWEEN. The latter picture was an
official entry at this year’s Cannes
Film Festival.

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

The new company will be headed
by Nat Cohen, chairman of Anglo-EMI
as Managing Director, and Robert Litt-
man, MGM's Director of European
Production as Deputy Managing Direc-
tor. James T. Aubrey, Jr., President of
MGM will be Chairman of the Board
of Directors, and Bernard Delfont,
Chairman and Chief Executive of EMI
Film and Theatre Corporation will
serve as Deputy Chairman.

This announcement will not affect
the normal film programs indepen-
dently produced by EMI in the U.K.
or MGM's independent production
schedule.

MASH: CELEBRATES
FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Twentieth Century-Fox’s irreverant
comedy which was nominated for five
Academy awards has completed a full
year of engagements in the same
theatres in Toronto and Vancouver. In
Toronto it is still playing to big houses
at the Hollywood, and in Vancouver,
the Park Theatre has been its home
since it opened over a year ago.

M ASH is the first non-roadshow
attraction to have played over a year
in the same theatre in either area.

In Vancouver, Director Robert
Altman was the guest of honour at an
Anniversary celebration at the Park,
where he was joined by all the players
on the B.C. Lions football team, as
well as reps. from the newspapers,
T.V. and Radio.

COVER STORY

The highest accolade Variety Interna-
tional can bestow on a local Tent is
the coveted Heart Award for outstand-
ing Humanitarian work. This year’s
highly prized award went to Tent
No. 28 of Ontario for its establishment
of an electro-limb centre in a new
building erected on a site adjoining
Variety Village in Scarborough ata cost
in excess of $300,000.00.

This is not the first time that Tent
28 has won this award, although last
time, in 1949 it had to share honours
with the Miami Tent.

On our cover is shown Sam Shopso-
witz (Shopsy) receiving the award from
beautiful and glamorous screen star,
and top-ranking executive of the Pepsi-
Cola Company of America, Joan Craw-
ford, while Edward Emanuel, chair-
man of the Awards Committee looks
on admiringly.

CLASSIFED ADS

We are planning a classifed ad
column in future issues, which
we feel will be a distinct service
to members of the industry. The
cost will be $10.00 per column
inch, and a remittance in full
must accompany all copy.

Your ads should be mailed to
CLASSIFED ADS. C/o this mag-
azine.

BUYING UNEXPOSED SHORT
ENDS. 50 feet and up. 16 mm.,
35 mm., B & W and Colour.
Write to Canadian Film Digest.

DICTIONARIES
WEBSTER

Library size 1970 edition, brand

new, still in box. Cost new

$45.00.

(WILL SELL FOR $15)

Deduct 10% on orders of
6 or more.
MAIL TO

NORTH AMERICAN
LIQUIDATORS
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C.O.D. orders enclose $1.00 per
volume good will deposit. Pay
balance plus C.O.D. shipping on
delivery. Be satisfied on inspec-
tion or return within 10 days for
full refund. No dealers, each
volume specifically stamped not
for resale.

AL HARTSHORN
BACK IN HARNESS

It is good to be able to report that
veteran theatre manager Al Hartshorn
who has been on the sick list these
past few weeks has been given the
green light and is back on the job
managing the twin-auditorium Oshawa
Centre Cinemas. Al has been a member
of the Famous Players family for near-
ly fifty years.

VARIETY VILLAGE
GRADUATION—1971

On Wednesday evening, June 9th over
350 Barkers and guests gathered on
the spacious grounds of Variety Vil-
lage to witness the graduation of eight
students. Past Chief Barker Morris
Stein, chairman of the Variety Village
School Board and a member of the
Variety Village Council since 1949
presented graduation diplomas to the
following: Frank Provenzano of Tor-
onto, Richard Nugent of St. Cathar-
ines, George Wilson of Sunderland,
Ton Van Dusen of Scarborough,
Howard Byers of Bay Ridges, William
Phillips of Whitby, George Hnatuk of
Woodstock and Michael Fortner of
London.

Chief Barker of Tent No. 28, Sam
‘Shopsy’ Shopsowitz chaired the cere-
monies, and First Assistant Chief
Barker Jerry Solway introduced the
platform guests. The following special
awards were presented.

BEN OKUN Award to the boy
making the greatest progress during
the school term, to Frank Provenzano
by Dough Guy Andy Rouse.

WILLIAM G. MILLER Award to
the student making the best progress
in spite of his handicap, to George
Wilson by Mrs. Miller.

CATHERINE C. LINDABURY
award of a book to the student show-
ing the greatest interest in reading, by
the late Mrs. Lindabury’s grandson
Rod Beattie. A duplicate of the book
goes to the V. V. Library.

SWIMMING AWARD presented to
Rich Nugent winner of the swim mara-
thon in 1971 by Doug Wells Crew
Member of Tent No. 28.

THE HYE BOSSIN AWARD for
the best presentation by a student on
the subject “‘What Variety Village
Means to Me” to George Hnatuk by
Jerry Solway.

The Valedictorian of the 1971 grad-
uating class was Richard Nugent.

20

The evening culminated with the
official presentation of the Great
Heart Award to Tent No. 28 by Inter-
national Chief Barker Mr. Sherrill
Corwin who flew in from San Fran-
cisco for the occasion. The accom-
Panying picture shows Mr. Corwin
flanked by Chief Barker of Tent No.
28 Sam Shopsowitz and Robert Hall,
past Chief Barker and for the past
three years an International Vice-
President.

RAPHAEL ETKES TO
UNIVERSAL IN HOLLYWOOD

Mr. Ned Tanen, Vice-President of
M.C.A. has announced that after a five
year assignment with the company in
London, Mr. Raphael Etkes has re-
turned to the Universal Studios in
Hollywood in a supervisory produc-
tion capacity.

Mr. Etkes will be closely associated
with Ned Tanen in his projected series
of independent feature pictures for
Universal release, including the cur-
rently-shooting John Cassavetes film
MINNIE AND MOSCOWITZ and the
Douglas Trunbull-Michael Gruscoff
production SILENT RUNNING.

SAM BINDER MAKES
GOSSIP COLUMN

The following is gleaned from Barry
Westgate’s chatty column in the
Edmonton Journal, and is dated May
19th.

“Genial area G. M. for Odeon, Sam
Binder is always up with the birds—has
been ever since the days he was an
usher at the old Empress Theatre. But
now comes the truth. Maybe he’s up
EARLY, but he isn’t always AWAKE.

Binder was ankling down Jasper to
work the other early A.M. when he ran
into one of life’s embarrassing mo-
ments. A kindly passerby drew atten-
tion to it.

No, he hadn’t left his teeth in the
glass at home, forgotten to comb his
hair, or slipped his suit jacket over
Stanfield Reds. Worse than any of
that. Along with the $200.00 single-
breasted, he was wearing the $40.00
shoes. Trouble was, one was brown
and the other black.”

C’est la Vie, Sam...at least you
didn’t have them on backwards.

ROYAL SCREENING OF
WUTHERING HEIGHTS FOR
LONDON VARIETY

H.R.H. Princess Alexandra and the
Hon. Angus Ogilvy attended the Royal
gala premiere of the American-
International film WUTHERING
HEIGHTS at the ABC 2 in London,
England, on June 9th.

This premiere was sponsored by the
London Daily Mirror in association
with the Variety Club of Great Britain
in aid of the National Union of Youth
Clubs and Variety’s Heart Fund. Nat
Cohen was chairman of the organizing
committee, and Michael Havas, man-
aging director of MGM-EMI, by special
arrangement with James Nicholson
and Samuel Arkoff provided the at-
traction at no cost. The theatre also
was provided gratis by Bernard Del-
font, chairman and chief executive of
EMI Film and Theatre Corporation,
and Peter Young, managing director of
EMI Cinemas and Leisure Limited.

Both Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Arkoff
flew to London for this Royal charity
screening. 5

“FIDDLER” PREMIERE TO
BENEFIT WILL ROGERS
HOSPITAL

An announcement from United Artists
states that the world premiere of FID-
DLER ON THE ROOF, the film ver-
sion of the international musical hit
will be held at the Rivoli theatre in
New York on November 3rd. This will
be in the nature of a tribute to the
35th anniversary of the Will Rogers
Memorial Hospital, and it was further
announced by David Picker, president
of U.A. that all proceeds will go to the
fund.

A dazzling first night audience of
civic notables, celebrities of the enter-
tainment and social worlds and leaders
of industry will attend this perform-
ance and the champagne supper dance
following.

Originally presented on Broadway
in September, 1964, FIDDLER ON
THE ROOF, has since been produced
in some 25 countries and has played to
a total in excess of 30,000,000 paying
customers. Still going strong in the
U.S. and overseas, and the film version
is expected to tumble all existing film
records.

. a |

Soft young
girls

behind |
hard prison |
bars...

Vedi

for aman—
or to him!

FORA
BIGID OLA

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CANADIAN FILM DIGEST CALGARY MONTREAL

ONTARIO THEATRES BRANCH
APPOINTMENTS

Mr. O. J. Silverthorne, chairman of the
Theatres Branch of the Department of
Tourism and Information of Ontario
has announced the appointment of
Doug Walker, Wendi Enright and Joe
Cunningham to the Classification
Board of his department.

Joe Cunningham

IMPRESSIVE CANADIAN
PARTICIPATION AT CANNES

The Cannes Film Festival is long past,
but it is still timely to make mention
of the tremendous contributions made
by the C.F.D.C., the N.F.B. and the
Department of Industry, Trade and
Commerce. This is the second consecu-
tive year that the three government
departments have joined forces to help
promote the Canadian film industry
abroad.

In view of the remarkable expan-
sion of the feature film industry in
Canada—some 70 features had been
undertaken since January 1970—and
the fact that there is no Canadian
organization specifically responsible
for the promotion of the private film
industry in this country, the Corpora-
tion set up a special advisory group
last December including members
from the C.F.D.C., the N.F.B., the
Department of Industry, Trade and
Commerce, the Exhibition Commis-
sion, Information Canada and the
private sector, to study the organiza-
tion of Canada’s participation at
Cannes in 1971.

22

Mr. Cunningham has had extensive
business experience and will be direct-
ly responsible for the examination of
all advertising matter. He is a graduate
of the University of Toronto.

Miss Enright, at 24 probably the
youngest member of any board in
Canada has an enviable background as
a popular and efficient member of the

Wendi Enright |

In addition to the services it pro-
vided last year, two major innovations
were introduced. One was the rental
for the entire duration of the festival
of a downtown theatre, the VOX
Cinema, where 35mm Canadian films
were presented. The cost of the rental
was borne by the producers who pre-
sented their wares at this festival.

In addition the sponsoring group
set up a permanent P.R. and Press
office in the Carlton Hotel, where
Canadian delegates met and availed
themselves of the various facilities. A
full-time staff of eleven, mostly Cana-
dians, was on hand to cater to their
needs.

Among the 40-odd titles shown
were, MON ONCLE ANTOINE, THE
CROWD INSIDE, DEUX FEMMES
EN OR, FORTUNE AND MEN’S
EYES, BREATHING - TOGETHER,
FOXY LADY, GOIN’ DOWN THE
ROAD, QUESTION DE VIE, THE AP-
PRENTICE, MADELINE IS, LES
MALES, A MATTER OF FAT, LA
NUIT DE LA POESIE, 7 TIMES A
DAY and TIKI TIKI.

The Department of Industry, Trade

University of Toronto Law Library
staff.

Doug Walker with over twenty
years experience in management with
Famous Players, Premier and Twinex
brings with him a wealth of experience
and knowledge of films and the per-
forming arts which will stand him in
good stead in his new position.

and Commerce, as last year, was re-
sponsible for the two publicity stands
in the Carlton Hotel and the Palais des
Festivals, and also undertook the pub-
lication of an information booklet on
the Canadian films being presented.
Additionally the private sector and the
N.F.B. jointly contributed to a major
publicity campaign in support of the
Canadian industry.

CANADIAN POET MAKES
THE SCENE

Leonard Cohen, one of Canada’s
budding young poets who turned to
music a few years ago with his first
album, has been signed to provide
the background music for THE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WAGER,
retitled McCABE & MRS. MILLER,
the Warner Bros. pic starring Julie
Christie and Warren Beatty.

This will be the first time that
Cohen’s widely-known work will be
heard in a motion picture, and will
include a number of selections from
his first album... ‘’The Stranger’s Song”,
“Sisters of Mercy” and ‘Winter Lady”’,

ONTARIO
VARIETY’S

NEW
PROJECT

The Variety Club of Ontario since its
inception nearly twenty five years ago
has successfully rehabilitated 265 phys-
ically handicapped young men who last
year earned in excess of one million
dollars, and far from being a burden on
society, as many would undoubtedly
have been, contributed upwards of
$100,000.00 in taxes to the National
treasury. This is a true ‘success story’
and this alone justifies Variety’s ex-
istence.

But ... instead of resting on its
laurels, this tent began to look for
other projects as an outlet for its su-
perabundant energies, and after months
of consultation with specialists in child
care, Came up with a project, the first
of its kind in the world.

One year ago, a new extension to
the existing Variety Village was ded-
icated in memory of the late John J.
Fitzgibbons, founder and first Chief
Barker of the Ontario Tent. One floor
is a fully-equipped gymnatorium for
boys at the Village, and the second
floor has been turned into a manufac-
turing plant for the production of
components badly needed by the Pros-
thetics Division of the Ontario Crip-
pled Children’s Centre. The first item
produced was an electrically-powered
elbow especially designed for children
deformed at birth. The components
produced here will equip Canadian
children, and after extensive studies
and approval from New York’s Univer-
sity Medical Centre, will be made
available on a world-wide basis.

The next item to be produced will
be an electric actuator, which acts as a
motor and transmission, is hooked up
to an artificial hand or ‘hook’ and
permits greater mobility and perfor-
mance. These devices have been re-
searched and developed by engineers
and technicians working under the
direction of Dr. Colin A. McLaurin,
director of Prosthetic and Orthotic
research at the Ontario Crippled Child-
ren’s Centre.

Manager of the Prosthetic Limb
Manufacturing Center is Ed Caswell

CANADIAN FILM DIGEST

who is aided by a staff of four tech-
nicians from the Crippled Childrens’
Centre. He hopes to set up a special
program in Variety Village proper to
train some of the students to follow
this line of work. As a matter of fact,
some of the elbow parts have already
been made by students of Variety
Village.

The new Prosthetic Centre and
gymnatorium represents a capital in-
vestment of some $400,000.00, raised
in its entirety by members of the
Ontario Tent, with a great big assist
from the Prince Philip dinner three
years ago. It is estimated that it will
cost in the neighbourhood of $200,000
annually to keep Variety Village plus
the new electro-limb alive.

Mr. Doug Wells (right) of Variety Club of Ontario, Tent 28, examines one of the first
y powered elbow units produced at the Variety Village Electro-Limb Production

electrical

A steady cash flow is essential, and
everybody even remotely connected

with the motion picture business in
Canada must consider this as his own
personal project. If you are not a mem-
ber of Variety, this is the time to get
your feet wet by contacting the mem-
bership chairman and getting in on the
action. If you are a member, support
the various fund-raising programs. It
will increase your stature in the in-
dustry which gives you your liveli-
hood, and provide you with an inner
pride which can’t be bought with
dollars.

| like this bit which | heard at one
of the Variety conventions. ‘‘A man is
never taller than when he stoops to
help a needy child.” Think about it.

ws

Centre, Scarborough. Mr. A. E. Caswell, Manager, holds the battery unit which provides
power to operate the unit at the Ontario Crippled Children’s Centre, Toronto. e

23

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